For some, the holiday season is magical and full of joy. For others, it can bring stress, loneliness, or a mix of both. And for some, it’s just another time of the year.

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, enjoying the change of season, or simply taking time to reflect, there’s something here for you.

This week, we’ll explore practical strategies for managing holiday stress, maintaining connections (or embracing solitude), and creating a season that feels authentic to you. 

Let's start by looking at the big picture:

What do you want this holiday season to feel like for you? 

Taking a step back helps us see beyond the hustle and bustle. It’s not just about getting through this season, it’s about identifying what you need to feel supported, balanced, and hopefully discover a little joy along the way!

Managing Expectations

The holiday season is often a whirlwind of expectations.

We’re juggling family gatherings, work deadlines, shopping lists, and the pressure to make everything picture-perfect.

These expectations can come from everywhere: family, friends, society — and sometimes even from ourselves. The result? We end up feeling stretched thin and overwhelmed.

So, how do we find balance amidst all the chaos? 

BY LEARNING TO PRIORITIZE!

Ask yourself: What truly matters to you? 

Two tips to find balance

🖋 Make a holiday priority list. Rank what’s most important to you. Include activities, people, or traditions that are truly meaningful to you.

🙂‍↔️ Don’t let guilt drive your decisions. Practice saying ‘no’ gracefully. You can decline while showing appreciation. Try: "Thank you so much for inviting me, but I won’t be able to join this time."

It’s okay to let go of traditions that no longer serve you or decline invitations if they’ll drain your energy.

Navigating Relationships

The holidays are often filled with gatherings that bring together a mix of personalities, past histories, and sometimes, a LOT of emotions. Navigating relationships can be both a source of joy and stress.

Three tips for making things a little smoother

🌲 Set boundaries early: If you know certain topics or family dynamics can be tricky or stressful, it’s okay to set limits. You don’t have to engage in every conversation AND you don’t have to attend every event. 

🫶 Focus on connection: Instead of getting caught up in holiday pressures or small talk, ask open-ended questions like, ‘What’s been a highlight of your year?’ This opens the door for more meaningful conversations AND it throws family or friends off who are trying to ask nosy questions! 🤌🏼

❤️ Show compassion: The holiday season can be stressful for everyone in different ways. Compassion reminds us that we’re all in this together. Try to be patient and understanding with those around you — they might be dealing with their own challenges. 

And if you’re spending the season alone, it’s a perfect opportunity to nurture the relationship with YOURSELF. 

Gratitude and Reflection

The holidays can be full of noise — literally and figuratively!

Gratitude helps us cut through that noise and focus on what truly matters. Practicing gratitude is like throwing yourself a lifeline to pull yourself back to a grounded and safe place when life feels overwhelming.

Reflection allows us to pause, acknowledge our growth, and make meaning out of the year we’ve had. 

3 Ways to Weave Gratitude and Reflection Into Your Holiday Season:

✍️ Gratitude journaling: Each day, jot down one to three things you’re thankful for. These can be big or small! The act of writing in itself helps us savor those moments.

❤️ Express appreciation: Take a moment to reach out to someone—through a call, a message, or even a handwritten note. Let them know why you’re grateful for them. This small gesture can brighten both your day and theirs.

🏞️ Reflect on the year: Think about the challenges you’ve overcome, the lessons you’ve learned, and the moments of joy that stood out. Even in tough times, there’s always something you can be proud of or thankful for.

P.S. Looking for more guidance on reflection? Kaila, one of our hosts here at focused space, developed an awesome guide to reflection, including easy ways to incorporate it into your day.

Start Your Own Traditions

We’ll close by talking about traditions: specifically, how to create your own traditions! 

Traditions are often thought of as being passed down through generations, but they can also begin with you. This allows you to shape your holidays in a way that truly reflects who you are and what matters most to you. 

Don’t just continue to do things because they’re traditions your family has had forever — instead focus on the things that fill you with joy.

Think about the activities you love — whether it’s baking, crafting, or spending time outdoors — and make them a part of your holiday traditions!

New traditions don’t have to be elaborate: they just have to resonate with you.

Ideas for starting your own traditions:

📸 Document the season: Start a photo and/or video diary to capture small moments of joy… think twinkling lights, a mug of cocoa — pretty much whatever catches your eye!

🥣 Cook a signature dish: It could be a family favorite with a twist or something completely new that brings you comfort and joy.

🎨 Get creative: Try a craft like making ornaments or writing letters to your future self - whatever gets your creative juices going!

🧳 Plan a seasonal outing: Whether it’s a holiday hike, visiting local lights, or watching a sunrise on New Year’s Day, these moments create lasting memories.

I hope your holiday season has bright spots, and moments of peace and joy — wherever you spend it, and whatever you do.

See you in the New Year!

— Suliel, focused space host